Bengaluru: The serene pilgrim town of Dharmasthala in Karnataka has recently come under a cloud of controversy following allegations of mass burials in the nearby forest area. The shocking claims, which surfaced through social media and legal channels, have prompted the state government to form a Special Investigation Team (SIT). However, the probe has hit an early roadblock with two senior IPS officers stepping back from the SIT citing personal reasons.
Allegations Trigger Government Action
The controversy erupted on June 22, when advocates Ojasvi Gowda and Sachin Deshpande publicly shared a letter exposing the alleged burial of hundreds of unknown bodies in the Dharmasthala forest. The letter, allegedly written by an anonymous whistleblower, claimed that under coercion from an unknown source, numerous bodies were being disposed of illegally in the area. The whistleblower had even handed over a skull to the Belthangady police as evidence.
Following this, the police registered an official complaint and initiated a probe. The anonymous informant later escalated the matter by filing a detailed complaint with the Dakshina Kannada Superintendent of Police on July 3, assisted by legal counsel, which contained horrifying revelations about the alleged burials.
SIT Formed Amid Rising Concerns
Responding to the gravity of the allegations and public concern, the Karnataka government formed a Special Investigation Team (SIT) led by senior IPS officer Pronab Mohanty to investigate the claims thoroughly. The SIT was initially to be composed of four senior IPS officers entrusted with uncovering the truth behind the mass burial allegations.
Key Officers Step Back, Hindering Progress
Just a day after the SIT was constituted, two of the four officers – M N Anucheth and Soumyalatha – requested to be relieved from their duties on the team citing personal reasons, creating an unexpected setback in the probe. Official sources confirmed that these officers have formally written to the government seeking withdrawal from the investigation, raising concerns over the SIT’s ability to carry out a smooth and effective inquiry.
Public and Legal Circles Await Clarity
The Dharmasthala case has gained significant traction in media and social circles, with widespread calls for transparency and a conclusive probe. As two officers recuse themselves, questions remain about the SIT’s capacity to conduct an unbiased investigation. The government has assured that the matter will be taken to its logical end.
What’s Next?
Authorities are expected to appoint replacements for the two officers to maintain the SIT’s strength and momentum. Meanwhile, the police continue to gather evidence and verify the authenticity of the allegations.
The coming weeks will be crucial in determining the trajectory of the investigation and restoring public confidence in the law enforcement agencies handling this sensitive case.
